Update: Google+ has now implemented short URLs aka plus.google.com/+MidTNMusic. This feature renders this article obsolete but feel free to browse through for a bit of nostalgia.
The default URL to your Google+ profile or fan page looks like this – https://plus.google.com/b/101241143350062397090/101241143350062397090/posts.
Obviously this can cause issues. Of course there are ways to shorten it but what if I could show you how to make it look awesome? As in using your domain name to send people to your G+ page – plus.midtnmusic.com.
I was reading David Santy’s Google+ Hangouts on Air: Studio Mode Setup Guide for Musicians which led me to visit his Pinterest profile so I could follow his boards.
That’s when I noticed this – http://plus.davidsanty.com which led me to his G+ page.
Then it hit me. I know how to do that…
Then I thought… why haven’t I thought of this before?!?!
So I got to it and shared the new, awesome, shortened G+ URL with Bret. He hasn’t responded yet but I am sure he will ask, “How did you do that?”
He probably isn’t the only one wondering.
How do I shorten my Google+ URL using my domain name?
Glad you asked.
Allow me to lay the foundation and explain exactly what I am about to show you.
I am going to demonstrate how to create a subdomain (music.yourband.com) using cPanel. We will redirect that subdomain to send visitors to your Google+ profile or band page.
Here are the steps below.
Step 1: Own a domain name
You have to own a domain name (www.yourband.com). We use Bluehost but Host Gator, Dreamhost, and 1&1 are comparable alternatives.
Step 2: Login to your domain name service provider
Login to your domain control panel (whether it is through Bluehost, Host Gator, etc).
The screenshots that follow will demonstrate this process in Bluehost but if your provider uses cPanel then everything should look similar and the process will be the same.
If your dashboard is different, what you are looking for is the Domain Manager. Once you are there, you should be able to find links or info about creating/editing/managing subdomains.
Step 3: Find the domain manager
In Bluehost cPanel, simply click the tab titled Domain Mananger.
You will then see your list of domain names.
I will create a subdomain for www.midtnmusic.com and use plus.midtnmusic.com to create a redirect to our Google+ page.
Select the domain you wish to connect to your Google+ page. Once selected a box will appear on the right with the domain’s details and several tabs of options to configure the domain.
Under the Main tab there is a blue header titled Hosting Account. Beneath that you click Manage Subdomains.
Step 4: Manage subdomains
You will see two empty text fields under the heading Create a Subdomain. Type plus into both fields and make sure the correct domain is chosen from the dropdown menu.
Click create.
Step 5: Redirect subdomain to Google+
After you create your subdomain you should see a page letting you know it was created successfully. Click go back.
You will see your list of subdomains. Find the one you just created (plus.yourband.com) and click Manage Redirection.
A page will load with a field for you to paste your Google+ URL. Copy, Paste, Click Save.
A page will load saying successful.
You are finished.
Go to plus.yourband.com and try it out.
Thanks again to +David Santy for the inspiration. And an even bigger thanks to him for taking the time to write his Google+ Hangouts on Air: Studio Mode Setup Guide for Musicians and sharing with all of us for free.
If you aren’t using Google+ yet, then you are missing out on all the fun.
